001regarding contracts, personnel actions, and pending litigations. Tonight, I will be seeking approval of the April Treasury report. I will also be seeking the approval of the minutes of the regular board meeting from April 17, 2025. Move on to our reports. Um, our student representative, Gabriella White. Good evening. I'm Gabriela White and I'm a sophomore here at Crestwood. As the year is coming to a close, sorry, there are many things to reflect upon. With spring sports coming to an end, I'd like to take a second to talk about the amazing things that these teams have done for our community. The boys volleyball team had a great season with a record of 12 and three. They also hosted their inaugural volley for veterans where they honored local veterans for in a ceremony before their game. They fundraised
002the whole night and it was donate donated to the local VA hospital. The girls lacrosse team hosted their Morgan's message game along with the Abum Club. This program is about breaking the stigma when it comes to mental health and break and spreading positivity. This this is amazing to see that these programs collaborating in to support such a rising cause. The student government has been very active active recently. We hosted the third annual common sled zord day in preparation for the keystones PSSA's AP and final and final testing. As we also participated in Crestwood's annual move up day where we hosted sixth graders from Rice and Fairview and gave them tours of the school and answered any questions in order to prepare them for their entrance to the secondary campus. We have been celebrating the success
003of our students and academics throughout the community through national junior Spanish business and regular honor societies. Our French program participated in the national French contest where they were very successful as usual. They had 10 students placed in the top 10 out of 47,000 participating students in various levels. They had Hope Klene, R.J. Williams, Shan Rossi, and Jessica Langan receive national honorable honorable mentions. Owen Klein, Shrimma, and Ethan Zabroski were recently honored as one of the citizen voice scholastic superstars of of the class of 2025. They were nominated by Crestwood faculty and only 25 students were selected. These outstanding students, these outstanding students were made through the selection pro process and their biographies will be appearing in a citizen's voice. Creswood is also excelling in their clubs. The scholastic scrimmage team has been participating in competitions
004and coming out very successful as well as the Environ and physics teams as the Environ sorry the Environ Environ teams placed in the top 10. The Creswood PJS teams will be taking taking on states at Penn State main campus this weekend. Creswood's literary magazine has been finalized and it's also on its way. Miss Dy and her group of workers have been tirelessly working to ensure that the magazine is flawless and can and sorry and showcases Creswood's hidden talents. Whether it's in sports, clubs, or even the classroom, students here at Crestwood find a way to excel past their limits and be the best they can be. The Comet family has been stepping up and doing good deeds throughout our community. There has been many amazing members of this community representing Creswood and upholding its standards. We
005can thank our amazing teachers, staff, and fellow students for their ever growing support which help us get there. Thank you for your time and have a wonderful night. [Applause] Gabriella, I I want to thank you. You've come to I think we just said four meetings this this school year. So, this is our final student representative report, but you've been here with us four times and we want to thank you and the rest of the student government students that attend our meetings and we look forward to see you in 2526. Thank you. Have a great night. You too. We'll move on to our superintendent report. Mr. Mazo, thank you. So, I always start my superintendent report with our elementary soaring comment awards. Um, we have two students from Fairview Elementary and two students from Rice Elementary.
006So, when I call your name, if you're here, please either stand up in your seat where you are there or if you want to come to the front. I'm going to read what the staff uh said about each and uh every one of you. So, starting at Fairview, is Emma Walbert here? She is not here, but I I'd like to read what the staff said um about Emma. So, Emma is one of our soaring comments for the month of April. Emma is a bright and kind-hearted sixth grader who brings energy, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude to our classroom each and every day. She consistently puts forth her best effort, supports her classmates, and embraces new challenges with a smile. Outside of school, she loves playing softball, exploring her creativity on Roblox. Her genuine spirit, love
007for learning, and supportive nature make her a true role model in our school community. So, congratulations, Emma. Also from Fairview is Jax Clearly. Here, do you want to stand up? So, another soaring comment for the month of April is Jax Clearary. Jax is thoughtful and creative and is a wonderful sixth grade addition who approaches each and every day with curiosity and determination. You are a team player in the classroom and always and is always ready to help a classmate or offer a new idea during discussions. Outside of the school, you enjoy building intricate Lego creations, playing basketball, where he shows off the same focus and enthu enthusiasm. Congratulations, Jax, on the soaring comet for [Applause] April. Our two students from Rice Elementary, Alexander Wood. Mrs. Clem writes out that Alexander is a phenomenal young man.
008uh she has been very impressed by your dedication to academic abilities and overall character this year. You've consistently demonstrated strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and you're always willing to go above and beyond to achieve your goals. Alexander is extremely respectful and kind. Alexander, you are a soaring comet. Congratulations. Our final soaring comment for April at Rice is Harper Serasco. Did I hope I said that correctly? Um, you have a family member here. So, thank you for joining us. Uh, Mr. Junis stated that about Harper, Harper is an exceptional young lady and student. He believes that she encompasses all of the character traits that a soaring comet should represent. She is respectful, polite, and kind to her teachers and fellow classmates. She works hard in class and is a consistent, honorable student. Additionally, Harper can
009always be counted on doing the right thing. Even when others are not focused or making poor choices, she does not join and continues to do what she needs to do. She is a role model not only for sixth grade students, but all of the children at Rice Elementary. Congratulations, Harper. So, this concludes our soaring comment recognition. Families, I say this all the time, you're more than welcome to stay or if you'd like to go and celebrate, you you can go as well. So, thank you again families and students for attending. Thank you. So, those are our final um soaring comments. So, we'll pick that up in 2005 2026 school year. And uh just a couple highlights. Um I know Gabriella mentioned some of these, but I think uh I'd like to share just a few.
010um fall physical uh for our fall uh season is on June 13th. Again, that is free physical from 5 to 7:30 that's put on here at the secondary campus. There is an online code that's been circulated through the coaches and I believe sometimes they have QR codes in the classrooms or outside in the halls. So again, that's on June 13th. Um we had the great tradition, as Gabriella mentioned, the sixth grade moving on up. the the students, the staff really enjoy coming up and and seeing the halls and getting acclimated and of course trying the amazing food here at the the secondary campus. Today I had the opportunity to go to the kindergarten program. Um that was absolutely tearjerking. Um but we are live streaming these um these programs. So, kindergarten uh today at Rice
011Elementary, um they have their sixth grade academic celebration uh celebration that's also uh is live streamed and then will be on the YouTube. Uh Fairview actually has their kindergarten program next Thursday and um their sixth grade celebration at Fairview is on Friday. Um so, April, I don't believe Gabriella mentioned, I don't think I did before, but the students were able to meet with our DAA uh alumni that came back. we had some weather that they were unable to, you know, have the the presentation and assembly and the breakfast. So, we were able to host that and had a wonderful opportunity for our students and our alumni and their families and they were here in April. PSSA digital testing is complete. So, congratulations to the students and families. Um, you know, I cannot thank our DAC,
012our SAC, our IT, our faculty, our staff, students, family, everyone that was involved. It was our first time ever being uh digital for our PSSAs and it went absolutely smoothly. So, uh thank you to everyone involved. We did finish up our Keystones this week. Again, that was digital as well. Went very, very smoothly. Um this campus is is full of positive celebration just like Gabriella mentioned. It's surrounded around student academic success. Um she mentioned some of the honors societies that we already had. Um there's a a lot of excitement, there's a lot of nervousness, new opportunities. You know, the sixth graders are coming to the middle school, the seniors are going on to their next chapter, your eighth graders are becoming freshmen. So, there's a lot of nervousness, excitement, um and it's just, you know,
013our elementary students, field trips, they Fairview just had their race for education, a lot of PTA enrichments over at Rice. Um, our last day students and staff is May 30th, so it's almost here. Um, we're very excited and um, this is the last school board meeting with all of you in there. So, uh, are all of us together? Uh, just a reminder, we are closed for Memorial Day. Tuesday, we will have a full schedule. And as I mentioned at the committee meeting, the 28th and 29th, uh 12:00 p.m. dismissal for our secondary campus, 1 p.m. for elementary, and then on that final day, May 30th, um is a 10 a.m. dismissal at the secondary campus and 11:00 a.m. at our elementary with graduation on Sunday, June 1st at 1 p.m. at the Moheaggan Sun. And
014if you have a senior parent, if or if you have a senior uh nephew, cousin, anyone, the next two weeks are going to be filled with memory. So, I hope you all take it in and absolutely have a wonderful time. Thank you, Miss Alazo. Move on to our committee reports. like to remind everyone, public guests, testimony is limited to three minutes. Any person that wants to provide testimony or comment should come to the podium, state their name, spell their last name, address as well, and if you're speaking for an organization, name that organization. We are starting. My name is Ron Krishnowski. Excuse me. We're not starting yet. There'll be time for open discussions at the end. Excuse me. Yes. Thank you. You're welcome, Mr. Nardone. Financial planning. So, I'll be seeking approval for items 1
015through 11 that is on the agenda. And before turning any questions over to the board or to the uh public. Uh I have one or two. No, before before I'd like to ask Tommy Oh, if you if you have a comment. Yeah, I do. Thank you, Mr. Nardone. I'd like to make a few brief comments on items 10 and 11 on the financial subcommittee agenda. Uh in addition to the district's regular tax revenue anticipation note that the board will be voting on tonight, the board will also consider approval of a general obligation note in the amount of $1,678,000. Uh these funds will help subsidize the capital project scheduled for this summer. Uh details regarding these loans have been reviewed during prior work sessions, so I won't revisit them in tonight unless there are specific questions.
016However, I would like to take a moment to thank the team of professionals who work collaboratively to secure these borrowings. Uh, this includes Mr. Sluster, his staff, and our internal business office. We also receive legal support from Brian Kausalansky of the firm of Stevens and Lee, who specializes in bond issu bond issuances and capital financing for public agencies including school district. The district's independent fiduciary, Mr. Michael Vind of FSL public finance and reading plays a critical role in this process as well. Mr. Mr. Vin provides valuable insights and serves as a strategic sounding board offering guidance based on project needs, the district's financial position, and his understanding of current market conditions and bond rating surveillance. Mr. Hind also ensures that the uh the loan RFP uh process we followed adheres to all rules and regulations
017established by the state. One of Mr. Vin's colleagues, Mr. Ryan H. Hotenstein, is with us here tonight, sitting in the front row. If the board of the public has any questions about the process we follow to secure these loans, Mr. Hotenstein um is available to assist. So, welcome Mr. Hot H Hotenstein and thank you for being here. So, are there any questions for uh I have one or two. Uh first, uh Tom, thank you for uh getting the information uh budget information to the board today. Had chance to look at it. Uh very briefly, uh last year we projected a balance as of this June 30th of about 2.1 million. Uh I'm going to just ask you for a couple quick estimates. Are we basically in line with that or way off the the if
018you're referring to the fund balance, we actually finished last year at 2.7 million. I expect that number to to rise this year. uh exactly by how much um I'm not certain could be in the million-dollar range or so. But again, I' I'd encourage the board and Mr. Boone to focus more on where our cash position is at the end of this June more so than than the fund balance. That cash position is the reason why we have to take out a TR like we are tonight. If we could get that sufficiently higher, we could uh avoid that borrowing. Okay. And uh usually we get uh when when we do a projected budget a uh estimated uh balance as of June 30th of next year. Uh do you have a a bottom line guess number for
019that? The budget is uh well first of all we're looking at a proposed final budget tonight not the final budget. So it's actually showing a deficit of about5 or $600,000. Uh so for me to answer your question, it really depends on what happens with the final budget. Assuming it's a a structurally balanced budget with revenue and expense equal to each other, then the projection would be that there'd be no change in that fund balance from wherever we end and this year and then the end of next year. Okay. And I would I would just like uh to point out item seven uh a an increase of 0%. I I went online, looked at our latest posted uh com uh comprehensive plan and in there it says we will try to reduce uh reliance on an
020annual tax anticipation note which is item 10 which I don't think with a5 or $600,000 deficit uh we are are going in the the correct direction there. Thank you. Any more questions from the board? Thanks, Barry. Any questions from the public? None. We conclude. Thank you, Mr. Nardone. Transportation Committee. Mrs. McCertie, I'll be seeking approval of item number one. Are there any questions from the board? from the public. Thank you. Policy committee, Mr. Boone, I'll be seeking approval of item number one. Questions, comments, or input from the board or the public. Thank you. Human resources, Mr. Webbby. Human resources will be seeking approval. Consideration approval for items one through nine. Questions from the board? Question from the public? Hearing none. Thank you. Academic programs. Mr. Champy. Thank you. The academic programs committee will be seeking
021approval for items 1 through four. Do I have any questions from the board? And do I have anything questions or concerns from the public? Seeing none. Thank you. Co-curricular. Mr. Boone, I'll be seeking approval of items one and two. Questions, comments, or input from the board or the public? There are none. Thank you. Physical plant. Mr. Webbby. Physical plan will be seeking appro consideration and approval for items one through four. Any questions from the board? Questions from the public? Seeing none. Behavioral health and I'll be seeking approval for item number one. Any questions from the board? Questions from the public? Seeing none. The LIU intermediate unit 18 minutes are on file in the superintendent's office and on the district's website. The next LIU meeting is Wednesday, May 21st at 6:30 p.m. Wsbury CTC. Mrs. McCertie,
022thank you. I would like to report that um although um the discussions uh happened in executive session, um I would like to tell uh the board that excuse me um that we have reviewed blueprints for possible expansion projects um for the this the CTC board to review and consider um over the next few months. And um as that information um is ready to come to the board, I will bring it to you. Um but I wanted to mention this to you for transparency purposes. And um at this moment um I am actively helping the superintendent to seek some um fundraising and donations uh in order to complete that project. So that's also an ongoing project. Um, the minutes are on file in the superintendent's office and on the district website. And the next CTC meeting
023is May 19th, 2025 at the CTC at 5:30 p.m. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. We are moving on to the public testimony on non-aggenda items. Your guests are reminded, testimony is limited to three minutes. Any person providing testimony to the board during a meeting should state their name and address and if they're speaking for organization. Any non-aggenda questions? I speak. Thank you. Hi, my name is Ron Krishnowski. Krni, 16 Summit View Drive, Fairview Township. My son Jack is in fifth grade at Fairview. He has autism and I just like to know what's with the board what's going on with the autistic program from 7th through 12th. Can you be I'm sorry. Can you be more specific? What are you looking for? Well, I I spoke with Miss Moran a couple days ago and she said
024that there's learning support and then there's life skills. So, where's the autistic support at? Where did that go? So I cannot talk about individual students and plans each I don't want individual I want of the whole Crestwood school district in a whole right so all of that placement for autistic support um and any students in that class currently or future students to go into a class I cannot you know if you if you're a student no you're misunderstanding my question where's the autistic support at she said that there is no autistic support. We have an autistic support classroom right now. Yes. Well, not according to Miss Moran. In what grade? From 7th through 12th. They're right outside my office. There's a classroom there right now. Yes. And there are students in the autistic support classroom.
025This is a big lie. This is this year. This is a lie. This school year for Okay. For next year then. Okay. So, for next year, I cannot discuss individual students. I don't want individual students. I I'm sorry. I cannot comment on it's the program. It's the autistic program. So, the program is there for students that need to be into that classroom. I'm not going to talk about students. I'm not Why do you keep saying about Pacific students? I'm not because that's the classroom. A classroom is develop. She told me that the autistic program is no longer existing anymore. I'm not going to they're abolishing it. This going to discuss the classroom or any dis any part of that class. Well, she said that there's learning support and life skills. So, where is the autistic
026support at? I'm not going to discuss it. I'm sorry. Why? What? What do you mean why? No, you shake your head. No, you should be embarrassed of yourself. Oh, you pride yourself on athletics, this and that. So, where are these autistic kids going? Who makes the decision where these kids go? It is a team discussion with staff, students, and parents. So, where where are the autistic kid children going? I'm not discussing anything about the students in that class or anyone that would be going to that class. It's a program. We sued the district once already. Okay? So, believe me, Crestwood has not been very nice to um the autistic children, you know. I I mean, so where's where's the program going? Learning support and life skills. You should all be ashamed of yourself. You can't
027answer me that as a taxpayer. Mr. Machi, any word? Do you have any other questions? The superintendent explained that she cannot talk about individual students. I don't want individual students. It's a program. Classrooms made up of individual plans. Once those plans are developed, they develop the structure. So, where is it going? Where are these kids going to go then? Are they going to go to Hazelton? Are they going to go to what's there? That is none of your business where those students are. No. As a taxpayer, it is my business. It's everyone's business here. No. Yeah. No. Okay. You Mrs. Garris, can may you come to the podium, please? Everybody, everybody went out of turn, I believe, and I didn't hear one, and that's where I was going to speak. Uh, I would like to
028uh under human resources 8 and nine. I would like to read them. Recommend consideration and approval of Dean and Brosie, athletic director, to move his retirement effective date to July 7th, 2025. This the retirement date submitted and approved was effective January 1st, 2026. Number nine, recommend consideration and approval of Michael McCree as the athletic director, Act 93, Act 55, district safety security coordinator at a pro-rated salary of $81,000 pending release date. Uh, Mr. Macker, I I don't uh could I ask whose idea this was? Uh if somebody has to think the people in Mountaintop are stupid to want to pay from $69,000 to $81,000. Why would we want to spend that money extra money on a athletic director? Where are we getting the extra money to begin with? We conducted a search through advertising, reviewed
029multiple applicants, conducted two rounds of interviews, and a proposal from the HR and administration was made to the board, which is what's on the agenda tonight. Right? If you look at metrics in the area that is a lower side ad salary, we added the safety component to that position. So we expanded the position. And why did you do that, Mr. Macker? I never heard this board talk about safety. I've heard you talk about the javelin pit. I have not heard you mention anything about safety. The other day, the last meeting, uh, Mr. Parenton, what did he say? He stated that this is the palace on the hill. We have no fights. Why do we need somebody with a safety? Was it advertised for safety coordinator? State rules. State law regulates that we must have someone.
030Okay. Was it advertised for safety coordinator? No. Is act uh act 93 athletic director. Mr. Nardone, isn't that an unfair labor practice if it wasn't advertised for a uh um safety coordinator? I'm going to say that the job description says it's it's the job description as the superintendent assigned. So I am acknowledging that this person is the athletic director as posted the act 55. I have to report that to the state of the act 55 uh safety and security. So I wanted to make sure that the board knew that we had to appoint an actif or act 55 safety and security coordinator which this person will be assigned should the board approve and then I report that to the state. So that's why that is attached to that because that's part of their job description.
031It seems to me that the board wrote the job description to fit this person. Uh okay, but still in all you said we need a safety coordinator, but why didn't we ever talk about it? We had we had one prior and um we are um transitioning that individual to um just the vice principal role. So Mr. Parenton who was here at the committee meeting, he was the act 55 safety coordinator. So we're adding to the team. So it'll be a team of three now instead of a team of two. But he's a he's a uh principal, right? He's already uh you're adding to his salary. You're adding money. People are here fighting for an art program. We have an art program for next year. Miss Gagaras, we talked about that. An art teacher. Yes, I
032posted an elementary art teaching position earlier in the week. I did not know that. That's okay. Okay. [Music] Uh, I still don't understand where the security comes from, but uh, let me remind the board that some schools are now hiring, uh, part-time athletic directors. They're hiring many. There's several districts that have an athletic director and four or five assistant athletic directors. Well, that's not Chriswood. We're not that big of a school that we need that, Mr. uh, MRI. And you are correct. That's why we're not. And we combined, we have the leanest administration in the area, some of the leanest administration in the state. We combine duties and roles. We overall provide a savings for the return on how our administration is structured. Why are you moving his retirement date up, Mr. Ambosi? Why can't
033why can't we save that money? Did he did that, Miss Gagaris? He he submitted the letter to the to the HR and then um had requested the board to consider moving his date. we we to accommodate this person that wants to uh evidently the way I'm looking at it uh maybe his job is up in another area and it's time to slide into a new job. No, Mr. Bozi he submitted a letter to HR the HR department and requested that he u move his date and so the board has to consider that. Did uh uh how many people applied for this position? Honestly, I did not count it, but the stack was about this high. Miss Kagar, uh, do they all know it, uh, uh, it uh, was a security component uh, was required? No,
034ma'am. As discussed, the job description was a part of the act 93. The act 55 is because the board has to approve the act 55 safety and security. It's under other duties assigned from the superintendent. I don't know, Mrs. uh Malazo, it's still sounds to me that the position was made for a certain person. Uh was written to match the candidate that wanted to be hired. Uh okay. Uh Mr. Murray, this board is supposed to be the voice uh of the children and the people. And uh I did uh I'm sorry. We are asking for a full-time art teacher that we all feel is needed. So far, there's a job posted for a full-time art teacher. Okay, she did say it, but these are my notes that I wrote and I just want to stick
035to them. So far, the board is spending $90,000 interest on a glorified bathroom that was wanded We are also talking about a job. Excuse me. What? What bathroom? I'm sorry. What bathroom for $90,000? No, the interest on it. The uh what is that that called? Um what is the the building out back that cost $5 million? The fieldhouse. Thank you, Mr. Green. Okay, that's not We are also talking about a javelin pit that is wanded at $68,000 and now increasing an adi athletic director's salary that seems to be wanded by someone on the board uh to Mr. Macker and the board. We're the people of Mountaintop. Okay, we need an art teacher and you we are getting an art teacher finally for our children. If you spend our tax dollars on our children, you could
036easily accomplish this. So, I just hope the javelin pit because we we we can't come up keep coming up with all this extra money for I don't know where we're getting it from. I think uh all the taxpayers would agree for uh the art teacher but not for the javelin pit. That's uh okay I thank you for uh for that and uh okay I am done with that part Mr. Mackery, but now I am under uh the non-aggenda. This was supposed to be under human resources. Thank you for explaining that, Mrs. uh Malazo, but I still disagree with the hiring of someone at $81,000. Why can't he come in at 69 like Mr. Ambosi had? That's my question. Uh, on the non-aggenda, I was at the meeting last week and I'd like to address two
037board members on something they mentioned. Mrs. McCertie, do you feel like important district information is being kept from you and other board members by Mrs. Malazo and our board president, Mr. MRI? Mrs. Chakuric, you mentioned gatekeeping last meeting. Can you tell us is the superintendent and board president controlling important information for some board members that is affecting the way you and other board members do your job? I'm going to say no. Okay. I believe that uh I have asked questions and I have gotten unsatisfactory answers. Um I've asked questions again, gotten some other unsatisfactory answers. Um so sometimes I believe I need to go to other sources for information and I do feel that I am being prevented from having those conversations. Thank you. Hello, Tom Staviski. Uh, good evening. I live in Walden Park.
038Um, wonder who who brought this gentleman in tonight? Actually, Michael Vin, our fiduciary. um volunteered uh the gentleman who's here. I'd like to thank you for bringing them in and Mrs. Malazo and Mr. Macker. We need we need like transparency like this uh in our district. I remember a few years back the um was it the air conditioning when they had uh I think it was the air conditioning when they brought in like a engineer or something like that with I was watching the last meeting and uh it was brought up about it looked like the board wasn't a full entity uh in agreement upon all the uh projects outside uh the track and all that. Could we Mr. Mach bring in like an engineer like an expert and maybe open it up to the
039public um some of these projects and like explain to people in like layman's terms or have a PowerPoint because some of the stuff I didn't understand about footers and whatnot uh last time. I'd like to know, but can we get that transparency? As the project moved along, the contracting services and their engineers brought up and presented reasonable and what you would consider guarantees to their performance of their job. as putting out the specifications on the job. We received the bids, we received the guarantees, they addressed all of the issues in the bid proposal and from that aspect, that's where the bids were awarded. So, if you were looking at a major project, if you were building a school, you would have open public sessions with the designers, the engineers, and the architects to that extent.
040When you're looking at projects of this scale, normally what goes through is the project description, put out the bid, you compare the three bids, you ask questions of the biders, you clarify your concerns, and you ask for the guarantees and holding, which is what would have happened in the track project. So 1 point was it 7 million for everything? Is that uh considered a little project? I believe it was under 1.2. 1.2. I mean, to me, that's pretty big. Um, and it seemed like the board was divided. I mean, I give Miss Campbell credit for uh because she brought out a great point about the practice field being taken away. Maybe that's something, you know, the public could have input in. I'm just scope of this project being taken away. I don't think there's a
041practice field being taken away. Well, wasn't the javelin pit supposed to go over over to the right? Javelin pit right now is over in the middle school field. Okay. And it's not and the javelin pit is marked out. We do have a district champion Matt Ger thrown on grass in our our practice field. The discussion was moving the javelin pit behind the visitors um stand real quick. I don't Let me finish before you cut me off. It was discussed. There was nothing finalized. That's a decision made by the administration and then would be presented to the board. Nothing was finalized. Nothing. It was open discussion at a work session, which is what's supposed to go on. I mean, you're talking like it's your backyard. I don't know. Maybe if you put a PowerPoint up and
042and showed the public and, you know, it' be a little bit more, you know, open to what's going on. I maybe people would be a little more receptive. From a board perspective, it's not our job to make the presentations. We're to review and provide guidance. It's from the administration side and the athletic director's side to make those presentations. And we're in limbo right now with hiring a new AD then, right? Is that what you're Yeah, I I will take um so we have three projects, right? Um the one is safety and security and that presentation unfortunately because of safety and security I will never be able to present. um the roof project at Fair View. Um I can look into having someone come to just talk about maybe some updates now instead of Yeah, I
043mean the roof is a roof. I mean, but like all this stuff going on like with the field and and the track, I mean, it's easy to talk about. Roof is way over 1 8 million. It's a roof. Put shingles on it, whatever. I mean, it's not like there's some facade work, too, that's being done. like there is some other aspects to it that's all you know 300,000 I don't know if you get my my point like could you maybe the next meeting or so before everything goes done show the public what we're doing and get the engineers to come in and talk maybe we can do like a project update because they are going to start right after you know that'd be great the the season and um I think I announced that that
044the track and turf that that will be closed to the community um as soon as lacrosse cross or any other spring season um finishes, we want to make sure that they're here and being able to represent at a state level and supported. After that, that project will start. So, at the June meeting, too. Thank you. You're welcome. Real quick, um I know we're losing a very good athletic director and I think we're gaining also a good one. I have experience with Mr. McCree. I've known him since college and I actually coached football with them before and I think we're going to get a good candidate. It's going to be hard to uh fill Mr. uh Ambosi's shoes, but I think Mr. Bakri is a good one. Thank you. [Music] I Good evening. I'm Bill Kaine,
045the CA president. Um couple things I I would first a comment. Um I was watching the um committee meeting um and I think it would be helpful if if you directed the people to come up to the podium when they made comments during the committee meetings as well because it was hard to follow exactly what the discussion was. Um, secondly, I I found the exchange about autistic support deeply troubling and I want to caution the board if if you are and I have heard rumors if you are considering cutting programs like that um in years past um they have that has not been cost effective. Um, so not only are those students best served here, and I'm saying if I don't know that you're actually planning on doing that, but those students are better served
046here, they are valuable members of the school community. Um, and outsourcing them, for lack of a better word, for decades in the past was costly. All right, we, you know, for years we were told that it was cost effective and the numbers did not reveal that. So from from a dollars and cents point of view um it's not a good idea and that population is rising and if the program is started and stopped and cut it will be ineffective. You are going to have your numbers of autistic students will go up that's just the reality. Next, um, if I might, if I could put on my, um, class advisor hat for a moment. Um, I asked for a cost on our class night activities in the cafeteria and the the cost for the food for
047this the what was being provided was actually um there was minimal in increase if any, but the bill doubled and I asked the the new C I'm sorry I'm blank it's PJ is his name. I'm blanking on this. I asked him why and the senior class was charged for the labor of the cafeteria workers who were there. Um he said that was policy. I know that the board has um been trying to save money and generate revenue by charging outside clubs and for use of facilities and and for use of of district employees. Um, but if that is indeed the board policy, I would I would ask that you consider amending that that for student groups, students in the in the district that that kind of activity we like they're literally selling crispy cream donuts
048to pay cafeteria workers for for an important event. Um, and it just u it just didn't set right. And I don't know if that is the policy, but if it is, please consider um an alternative. Thank you. Would you be willing to share um the invoice with me so I can review that? Sure. Thank you. Can I ask which committee would be involved in conversations regarding autistic classroom changes? Academic. Okay. You reminded me last time uh Mrs. Malazo graduation is June 1st. In 2019, I had two grandchildren, grandsons graduate, and uh we were all at the Moheaggan Suns and uh it came time to uh pledge allegiance to the flag. Everybody's saying, "Where's the flag?" It is up to Moagen Sun to provide the flag. But someone from the audience had to call and make
049them aware that they didn't do their job. They didn't put the flag there because everybody did not know where to look. There was a flag purchased evidently in the year 2020 at a cost of close to $300 for the school here to represent all graduates plus all those young people going into the service. Can anyone tell me where that flag is? Evidently, they can find it in the notes. I was the delivery person for that flag and I gave it to a evidently a janitor. The janitor said, "It'll be in the minutes and it'll be taken care of. And nobody knows where this flag is. My grandson, my one grandson went into the Air Force and out of respect for him and all of the young people that go into the service. That's why the
050flag was purchased for this school because no one in 2019 knew enough from the board to have a flag there to represent all students. Thank you. Can we get some clarity on the duties of the safety and security coordinator? Let me see if I have that Mrs. McCertie with me. I do. So, it says here, this is right from uh Tony. I always pronounce this name wrong. Greco, right from the IU, the executive director. Each school district entity must have a school safety and security coordinator appointed by the chief administration. That would be me. Um the coordinator shall oversee the school police officers, resource officers, security guards, and safety and security policies. Report directly to the chief school administrator. The coordinator shall oversee school police officers, resource officers, security guards, safety security reporting directly to
051myself. Specific duties are behavioral health awareness, suicide bully awareness, substance abuse awareness, emergency procedures and training skills, situational awareness, serving as a liaison between the school safety and security committee, the department of education, law enforcement, and organizations on matters of safety and security. this individual um must be appointed. That's not relevant here. Um the coordinator must make a report to the school board during executive session and to the school safety and security committee regarding school entities current safety security practices and strategies to improve safety. That's kind of what we talked about today um in executive school um did that already. They must go to trainings. they have specific ones that they're called. Um the coordinator must coordinate tours of all the buildings for local law enforcement agencies, first responders at least once every two years,
052which is like the ARVAT report. Um and upon the new building renovation of existing um building must have one hour of instruction in total with topics which are emergency training, drills, fire, natural disaster, active shooter, hostage situation, bomb threat, threat assessment training, identification of rec recognition of student behavior that indicates threat to safety and students. Two hours of training in personal or virtual of any or more of the SC school safety and security topics. situational awareness, trauma-informed practices and approaches, behavioral health awareness, suicide and bullying awareness and substance abuse and that is all on uh act 55 of 2022. Thank you. You're welcome. May I just add one item um from the academic program committee um just with the mention of the autistic support programs being cancelled. Uh I personally have not heard anything on
053that. So I I want Okay. Uh so I wanted to just announce that as the chair we have not discussed that and um nothing has come my way and I would not vote for that um personally. So just to put that out there for the board uh and then the community as well that has not been discussed. So the rumors um I would hope could be put to bed there. Mrs. Baza services wouldn't be denied correct. they would just be farmed out maybe IU. Is that what you're Yeah. So, a school district um must support an IEP or an individual plan um an educational plan and sometimes those services or that IEP drives outside sources. Um a school district is not required to maintain that that classroom here as long as the services are not
054disrupted. Um but yes, there that is correct. you as the chair have not been discussed with that uh information and you know I I'm sad that he came here and and brought that to everyone here today. Um but truly any IEP or students or program that would be affected that that really is so specific to each of those students. It wouldn't be proper for me to share that information. So just I'm sorry what Mr. Kane said, um, would you look into like perhaps hiring your own teacher opposed to sourcing out to the IU? Would that be cost effective? Yeah. So, uh, we we currently have the the classroom now. Um, we did have a resignation in the beginning of the year and we had a long-term sub uh into that position who um, you know,
055we notify the families when that happens. And then that classroom also um that long-term sub got a position at another district. So we had a substitute in there as well. Um so as we've been discussing some positions that have been posted um you know that position or you know any kind of discussion of I think he said a learning support teacher or a hiring of an autistic support. None of that has been posted or any of that. Um it's it's only the end of May. We start school in September. Um, so we have some time, but um, to answer your question, there's been some changes in in staff there, but that's just due to to resignations. Yeah, that I I I think the the uh services for special needs students changes annually. Uh many years
056ago, my wife taught special ed for the IU in the Crestwood district. And in her classroom were students from Crestwood, students from Hanover, students from Nanny Coke or not Nanny Coke, Wilks, and students from Northwest. And at some point uh basically they aged out of her age group and moved on and we were down to maybe two students in her classroom that would have been from Crestwood and it would not have been cost effective to hire a teacher for two students and therefore those students were moved to another district and I think that's a constantly changing thing with the special needs what the needs of the students are and that has to be evaluated annually. ually and you know, you never know from year to year exactly what's going to happen until you get into
057uh those later summer months and know what the needs of the district are going to be and then we have we make our decisions from there. Yeah. Because when you talk about an autistic support classroom, the the pieces that go with it is it's not just the teacher, right? It's the pairs in that room to make sure each of the students are prepared. So, it's a a whole process like you just described. Um, but it's not just about the teacher. It's how many uh staff members are needed to support that that goes along with it. But it's driven by the IEP and and what's driven through uh that team approach that we have at the district to support the best um for that student and for that family. And sometimes that is Crestwood and sometimes
058that is an outplacement. All right. Good evening. Bill Hecman, Crosswood CEA. Uh, this question is for I guess Mr. N Mr. Nardone, the financial committee and perhaps Mr. Benz. Um, item 11, that note was for approximately 1.7 million, a little bit less. Correct. 1.678. Yeah. All right. What What um what projects is that earmarked for? Yeah. So, we had about $2 million worth of capital projects that we're working on this summer. Um the stadium, which encompasses both the track and the the turf, uh the roof at Fairy Elementary, and then the safety security project at the two elementary schools. So, that combined is approximately 2 million. Um and the loan that that note that's here is subsidizing a piece of it. The rest will be subsidized through our capital account through the cash reserve. Okay.
059Capital cash, not operating cash. C, right? Capital cash. So, from what you said before, um, look less at the fund balance and look more at the cash. Correct. Reserve. Um, why did the board not consider borrowing the full amount? For me personally, I'm I'm doing a project on my home. I borrow the full amount because that cash is really possibly there for emergency scenarios. Correct. Yes. So there was a spirited debate on the utilization of our cash versus borrowing. Okay. When I talk about a spirited debate, some folks wanted to use all cash and deplete the cash account. And through discussion and analysis, um we decided to split it a little bit. Um some of us wanted to borrow it at all given the interest rates, but in order to get a consensus and move
060forward on a timely basis to get the project started. The board agreed to borrow most of it and use some cash. So it was a a debate spirited and the consensus that we arrived at was a legitimate decision given the facts of the case at the time we made the decision. Okay. Um you had mentioned interest rates. What what's the interest rate for the note and then what's the interest rate that we're currently receiving for the cash? The interest rate for that note is 4.01%. 01% correct and the average interest rate on our cash is about 4.1%. So we get more interest from the cash than we'd pay for the note. Correct. Um when we when we made this decision though, the projection was that that interest rate was going to be 4.6%. When it
061went out for bid, we were fortunate enough to get a lower rate than than what we thought. So to Mr. Nardone's point, when the decision was made, it was based on the thought that the rate would be 4.6, which is slightly higher. It's a small float but still slightly higher than what we're getting on our cash. But the cash would actually earn compound. But Tommy, are we is the district guaranteed that interest rate over the time of the loan? No. So interest rates fluctuate. Correct. Right. So at the time the decision was made, cost of the money was more to borrow it than use available cash on hand. I I think we did the I I ran even at 4.6 and 4.1 over the length of the loan with compound interest. you still made the
062district still would have made a little bit more money if interest rates remained where they are. Right. Correct. So if interest rates go down, that formulation goes out the window. Okay. Right. And by not using available cash, you now shift the burden to the taxpayer. So you available cash or note, it's still the taxpayer. You still do it. So, if you have cash already, you're spending money you have instead of borrowing money and letting money sit, which potentially you're not going to make money on, right? You can't guarantee interest rates, right? Typically, I mean, you ask anyone on fixed income, interest rates have not been good lately. Yeah. But no one depletes their bank account just completely down to do any kind of project if you can borrow money. And you said taxpayers money one
063way or another. It's taxpayers money. Correct. Not just taxpayer money. Yeah. Okay. All right. Thank you. I do have um one thing I'd like to uh say to the board here. um since there isn't a a good place normally to to say these things. Um so I'd like to report that I had the great pleasure uh speaking on behalf of our students and taxpayers in a very soggy Harrisburg this week lobbying for charter school reform, the reinstatement of Plan Con and underfunded and unfunded mandate relief uh in the form of more balanced subsidies. Um, unfortunately the only elected representative the only elected official representing our school district who could make time with me was Senator Argle, but I did have a good brief conversation with him. Um, but I also had an opportunity to speak
064with Representatives Haddock and Representative Pashinski who are helping me better understand how the funding formula works and particularly how our adequacy funding is not in fact adequate based on the ratio of high median income versus the very low tax burden on our taxpayers in the Creswood School District. Um, but overall it was a good and informative day. I look forward to getting some more information um about the the details of how the funding formula works and I was happy to represent the school district this week in Harrisburg. So, thank you. Seeing no further questions, we'll move on to the voting session. I'd like to seek a motion in a second. I gotta do a roll call. Roll call. Sorry. Mrs. Bibla. Mr. Champy here. Mrs. Tytor Ziggoric here. Mr. Webbby here. Mrs. McCertie here. Mrs.
065Campbell. Mr. Nordone here. Mr. Boon here. And Mr. McCrier here. Seven members present. I seek a motion and a second to approve the April treasures report. Motion. Second. Roll call. Mrs. Bibla. Mr. Champy. Yes. Mr. Ch Mrs. Chor Zaguric. Yes. Mrs. Mr. Webbby. Yes. Mrs. McCertie. Yes. Mrs. Campbell, Mr. Nordone, yes. Mr. Boon, yes. And Mr. MRI, yes. Motion carried. I make a motion and seek approval. A second for the approval of the minutes from the regular board meeting, April 17, 2025. Motion. All in favor? I opposed. Move on to financial planning. Mr. Nardone, I'd like to make a motion and seek a second for items 1 through 11. I so move. Do I have a second? Second. Mr. Champy. Yes. Mrs. Chait Zoric. Yes. Mr. WBY. Yes. Mrs. McCarti. I will abstain on items
066number two and seven. Yes to the rest. Mr. Nordon. Yes. Mr. Boon. I recuse myself on check number 8329 under item one. No. On number seven. Yes to the rest. Mr. MRI. Yes. Motion carried. Transportation. Mr. McCertie. Thank you. Um I make a motion to approve item number one. So move second. Mrs. Mr. Champy. Yes. Mrs. Chaiter. Yes. Mr. Webbby. Yes. Mrs. McCertie. Yes. Mr. Nordone. Yes. Mr. Boon. Yes. And Mr. Mri. Yes. Motion carried. policy committee. Mr. Boon, uh, seeking a recommendation, uh, and a second on item one. Second, Mr. Champy. Yes. Mrs. Chaitorg, yes. Mr. Webbby, yes. Mrs. Mccernie, yes. Mr. Nordome, yes. Mr. Booth, yes. And Mr. Mri, yes. Motion carried. human resources. Mr. Webbby, I make a motion and seek a second for the approval of items one through nine. Second,
067Mr. Champy. Yes. Mrs. Chaitour Zagoric. Yes. Mr. Webbby. Yes. Mrs. McCertie. Yes. Mardone. Yes. Mr. Boon. Yes, Mr. Murray. Yes. Motion carry. Academic committee. Mr. Champy. I make a motion and seek a second for approval for items one through four. I so move. Second. Mr. Champy. Yes. Mrs. Chaur Zaguric. Yes. Mr. Mr. Webbby. Yes. Mrs. McCertie. Yes. Mr. Nordone. Yes. Mr. Boon. Yes. Mr. McCrier. Yes. Motion carry. Co-curricular. Mr. Boon. Uh, seek a motion and a second on items one and two. Motion. Second. Mr. Champy. Yes. Mrs. Tritoriz. Yes. Mr. Webbby. Yes. Mrs. McCertie. Yes. Mr. Nordone. Yes. Mr. B. Yes. Mr. McCary. Yes. Motion carry. Physical plant. Mr. Webbby. I make a motion and seek a second for items one through four. Second. Mr. Champy. Yes. Mrs. Mrs. Chaitor. Yes. Mr. Webbby. Yes. Mrs.
068McCertie. Yes. Mr. Nordone. Yes. And Mr. Boo. Yes. Mr. MRI. Yes. Motion carried. Behavioral health and safety. Mrs. Chagada Zerk. I make a motion and seek a second for item number one. Second. Mr. Champy. Yes, Mrs. Chaitito. Yes, Mr. Webbby. Yes, Mrs. McCertie. Yes, Mr. Nardone. Yes, Mr. Booth. Yes, Mr. MRI. Yes. Motion carry. The next scheduled committee meeting is Thursday, June 19th, which will be here on the secondary campus at 4 pm. The next scheduled regular board meeting is on Thursday, June 26th, here at the secondary campus at 6:30. I make a motion and seek a second for adjournment. Second. All in favor? I I this meeting's adjourned. Thank you. Sorry.